"Keldeo, are you still planning to challenge Articuno?" Rex asked, watching the sprightly little colt dash back and forth across the snowy field.
"No, I think I've learned enough from our last battle," Keldeo replied casually. "I can tell I'm still way off from Articuno's level. I'll continue my journey—get stronger along the way."
"I see. Well, I have a few Fighting-type partners," Rex said sincerely. "Would you be willing to train with them?"
"Me? Are you sure?" Keldeo blinked, uncertain. "I haven't even mastered Sacred Sword yet…"
"Of course I'm sure. Don't worry about that."
Encouraged by Rex's trust, Keldeo nodded. Truthfully, it yearned for recognition, and now that someone had asked for its guidance, it silently promised to give it everything it had.
"Let's find another spot," Rex added. "We don't want to disturb the local Pokémon again."
"Right, right!" Keldeo quickly agreed, remembering how its clash with Articuno had forced so many Pokémon to flee their homes.
Moments later, Rex soared toward Snowpoint City on Swellow, while Keldeo galloped through the air alongside, its hooves barely touching the sky.
They landed together in a quiet open field outside the city.
"Here's good. Let me heal you up first," Rex said.
Keldeo blinked. It hadn't noticed any lingering pain, but nodded politely, assuming one of Rex's Pokémon would perform the treatment.
But then Rex gently placed a hand on Keldeo's head. Keldeo tensed—but didn't resist. After all, this human had helped it more than once already.
Suddenly, warm energy poured from Rex's palm. Keldeo felt it seep through its body like a hot spring flowing through its veins, mending not just its battle wounds but even long-ignored aches and scars.
By the time the energy faded, Keldeo straightened with renewed vigor—stronger than before. Its aura pulsed outward, startling the nearby wild Pokémon into scattering.
"That's enough, Keldeo—reel in that aura," Rex said calmly.
Startled, Keldeo pulled itself back together, remembering all too well how uncontrolled pressure had once sparked a mass panic.
"What kind of power was that?" Keldeo trotted up to him, eyes glowing with curiosity. "I feel incredible!"
"It's just something I can do," Rex explained. "I can heal internal injuries and help you unlock latent potential. That's why you feel stronger."
Keldeo looked a little disappointed at first—but then nodded. "Even so, that's amazing!"
"Let's get started. You said you were full of energy, right?"
"You bet!" Keldeo perked up. "Bring them on!"
"Go! Machamp, Heracross, Blaziken!"
Rex summoned his three Fighting-types. The moment they appeared, all three tensed—the little colt across from them gave off an intimidating pressure. Despite Keldeo's cute appearance, none of them dared underestimate it.
"Machamp, you're up first."
Rex didn't just want to befriend Keldeo—he wanted it to serve as a whetstone for his team. A sparring match with a legendary Fighting-type? Too good an opportunity to pass up.
Machamp surged forward without hesitation. All four arms lit with energy—ThunderPunch and Fire Punch crackled across its fists as it launched a storm of blows at Keldeo.
But Keldeo didn't dodge. It reared up on its hind legs and met the strikes head-on, blocking with swift movements of its forelegs.
The difference in power was clear. Keldeo casually deflected Machamp's thunder and fire-laced punches, and even countered with sharp kicks that left faint hoofprints on Machamp's tough, stone-like muscles.
And that was with Keldeo holding back.
Realizing his attacks weren't working, Machamp used one of Keldeo's counter-kicks to launch himself backward and widen the distance.
Then, it activated Bulk Up.
Keldeo made no move to interrupt, simply watching calmly.
Once… twice… five times.
Driven by the sheer pressure from Keldeo, Machamp pushed past its usual limit—bulking up five times in a row, reaching peak form. A red aura shimmered over its body like heat waves.
Time was short. Machamp dug its heels into the ground and launched itself like a missile, leaving a crater in its wake.
It reappeared in front of Keldeo, arm raised, energy surging.
A full-power Focus Punch slammed down toward Keldeo's head.
But Keldeo was ready. A massive Aura Sphere burst into existence and rocketed up to meet the strike.
The two forces collided midair. A wave of shock tore through the clearing, kicking up clouds of snow and dirt.
Even Rex and the other Pokémon nearby were pushed back several steps by the blast of compressed air.
(End of Chapter)